Unmoved by Soft or Hard Tactics

They didn't take a carriage this time when entering the Imperial Palace. Instead, they teleported directly to the palace gates.

After passing inspection, they were allowed to enter. Another flash, and they appeared outside the Imperial Study.

The moment their figures materialized, Ji Ruxue's voice came from within the study.

"Come in."

Given permission, the two didn't linger. They pushed open the door and walked inside.

Mo Yunxuan's first glance fell upon Ji Ruxue diligently reviewing memorials. She seemed very busy.

He didn't disturb her, but he also felt no restraint.

He vaguely recalled the morning court a week ago.

He had stood before Ji Ruxue like a lowly subordinate, needing to consider the Empress's thoughts for everything he did. He worried about taking a wrong step that might displease her and lead to his instant erasure.

But now, a week later, he no longer had these concerns.

He even felt that not shouting "I can take his place" already made him a model of loyalty.

This was the confidence that strength brought him.

Mo Yunxuan glanced at the focused Ji Ruxue.

She hadn't arranged a seat for him, nor did she seem inclined to acknowledge him, as if she had completely forgotten him.

However, when he first arrived, Ji Ruxue had just spoken, inviting him in. It was clear she had been waiting for him. How could she possibly forget him and leave him unattended due to being busy with state affairs?

Although Mo Yunxuan's emotional intelligence wasn't high, he had read plenty of novels with similar plots in his previous life.

As the saying goes, "The first burst of energy, the second wanes, the third is exhausted." Ji Ruxue was clearly trying to mentally suppress his spirit now, aiming to seize the initiative in the upcoming negotiation.

Unfortunately, Mo Yunxuan was no longer the obedient child who could be molded at will, as he had been a week ago. With his cultivation at the Body Integration Realm Early Stage and the support of 2 soldiers at the Body Integration Realm, 30 at the Void Refinement Realm, and 168 at the Spirit Transmutation Realm, he wasn't afraid of Ji Ruxue at all. At worst, they could go their separate ways. If Ji Ruxue's attitude was unfriendly, he could turn the Great Gan Imperial Nest upside down, and she wouldn't be able to do anything about it!

Therefore, he wasn't willing to stand there and wait foolishly.

He looked around and indeed saw Qing Li in the corner.

When he looked over, Qing Li also looked at him, their gazes meeting in mid-air.

Mo Yunxuan waved at Qing Li, signaling her to come over.

But Qing Li glanced at Ji Ruxue, who was seated at the desk, and gently shook her head.

Mo Yunxuan knew she was considering Ji Ruxue's feelings and also fulfilling her duty.

However, Mo Yunxuan didn't care about that. He thought to himself: 'Since you, Ji Ruxue, dare to play tricks on me and try to CPU me, then it should be fine for me to act as I please!'

With a swagger that suggested he owned the place, he walked straight to Qing Li's side and took her small hand.

Qing Li was startled and kept stealing glances at Ji Ruxue. She transmitted her voice weakly, "Hurry back. Now... it's not appropriate."

Seeing her adorable expression, Mo Yunxuan waved his hand and conjured a chair from his storage ring. He pulled Qing Li into his arms and sat down leisurely.

Ji Ruxue, who was reviewing memorials, was indeed just trying to dampen his spirit, as Mo Yunxuan had predicted.

However, this idea wasn't hers. It was proposed by a eunuch newly assigned to her side.

For Ji Ruxue, as the Great Gan Emperor with peerless cultivation at the Body Integration Realm Early Stage, she typically faced only Stinky Fish and Rotten Shrimp. She could crush enemies into submission with her overwhelming power and authority. She rarely resorted to such cunning tricks, like those of Demons and Monsters.

But now, facing an opponent of the same level, the same tactics weren't as effective. Although she was absolutely confident she could maintain control, why not use a simpler method if one was available?

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Things hadn't unfolded as she'd expected.

In her mind, Mo Yunxuan should be sweating profusely or at least standing there nervously. But what was this scoundrel doing in her Imperial Study, flirting with her Personal Sword Attendant? If he dared to flirt with her attendant today, would he dare to climb onto the Dragon Bed tomorrow?

"Ahem, Duke of Wei, this is my Imperial Study. Are your actions not unbecoming of your station?"

Seeing Ji Ruxue finally react, Mo Yunxuan released Qing Li. He scoffed at her words.

"Your Majesty, status isn't given, it's earned. This Lord's ducal title is the result of the previous Duke of Wei's tireless efforts."

"This Lord has always believed that dignity lies only on the tip of a sword, and truth lies only within the range of a bow and arrow."

"If anyone doubts this Lord, I will give them an opportunity. If they can defeat the Wei State Duke Mansion, I will admit I was out of line."

"But it seems, including the Great Gan Imperial Family, there aren't more than ten people who can do so."

Ji Ruxue rolled her eyes internally after hearing Mo Yunxuan's words.

Damn it! I knew Mo Yunxuan was arrogant at the Imperial Court a week ago, but I didn't expect him to be even more arrogant today. What a guy, even offering a chance to challenge him. But why doesn't he just challenge me one-on-one! What's the point of challenging the entire Wei State Duke Mansion?

Realizing that Mo Yunxuan wouldn't budge with force, Ji Ruxue abandoned the idea of confrontation. Instead, she decided to play the emotional card. Her expression gradually softened, a hint of reminiscence flashing in her eyes. She said slowly, "Does the Duke of Wei still remember? We almost had a marriage engagement back then!"

Mo Yunxuan naturally knew what that engagement was about. In Lin Fan's Virtual Script, there was considerable detail about the villain Jun Tianxiao. It mentioned that Ji Ruxue had developed special feelings for Jun Tianxiao, who had been loyal to her since childhood and never spoke ill of her even when bullied by other princes. Her feelings were akin to those between siblings, yet also lovers. However, Jun Tianxiao was a hopeless simp, and his affections weren't directed at Ji Ruxue, so they never had any special contact. The Former Emperor had wanted her to marry Lin Fan's previous incarnation to maintain the relationship between the Wei State Duke Mansion and the Imperial Family. But Ji Ruxue, due to her special feelings for Jun Tianxiao, had firmly refused, her resolve surprising even the Former Emperor. The matter was eventually dropped. Fortunately, it remained a private matter among the Old Duke of Wei, the Former Emperor, and the two of them. If it had spread, the Wei State Duke Mansion would have already developed animosity with the Imperial Family.

Seeing Ji Ruxue now trying to leverage that past event for emotional appeal, Mo Yunxuan found it rather amusing. He leaned back in his chair, resting his hands on the armrests, and looked her up and down dismissively.

"Oh? Your Majesty also finds it regrettable? This Lord has no qualms."

"If Your Majesty desires, this Lord can stay in the Imperial Harem tonight to serve you."

"Coincidentally, this Lord also wants to experience the taste of the Dragon Body."

Ji Ruxue looked at Mo Yunxuan's unrestrained gaze, feeling a surge of anger. This damned Mo Yunxuan! Why is he so stubborn, refusing both soft and hard approaches! He's strong now, his wings are hardened, right! He even talks about serving me, just you wait, I'll drain you dry! It's just because I refused to get engaged to you back then! You're still holding a grudge, do you have to be so petty! And what's with that look in your eyes? Is my figure that bad? Are you blind?

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